Your Dog's Wishlist for Santa!

There used to be this television ad that ran during the holidays when I was a kid.  It was for the ASPCA and it basically showed sad dogs, shivering in the cold and the voice-over stated that all dogs wanted for the holidays was a warm bed and home to call their own.  That ad always got to me, but when it popped into my head today, I realized how many more things dogs really want.  So, let's have some fun with this.  I'll give you the top five things I think dogs would put on their holiday wish list, if they could write!  Then, you can share in the comments what you think your dog would ask for from Santa.  Here goes:

1.  Walks filled with sniffs and exploring opportunities. Most of the dogs I see aren't getting in enough sniffing time on their walks. Owners and dog walkers seem rushed, eager to get their step count or move on to the next thing on their to-do list.  This rush to get the walk done robs dogs of the chance to sniff and explore.  Given that most dogs only get out for free time when they are on a leash, this means that they are really getting short-changed.  Dogs need time to sniff as it releases tension and stress and allows them to gather information about their surroundings and all the other animals and people there.  Slow down, let them sniff, and don't rush your walks!

2.  A variety of chewing options. Dogs need to chew.  Their mouths are designed for it.  They have strong jaw muscles made for gnawing on tough items.  While many vets caution the use of real bones for dogs for fear that they may splinter, create a blockage, or break teeth, there are plenty of other chewing options available.  There are edible marrow bones, dental chews, bullysticks, collagen bones, yak cheese, etc.  Chewing on bone-like items stimulates the production of saliva, massages a dog's gums, and can even help remove plaque from their teeth.  If you are concerned about the safety of a bone or other hardcore chewing option for your dog, talk to your vet. They can assess your dog's dental health and make recommendations on the best chewing options for your particular canine companion.

3. Puzzles and interactive toys. Every dog needs mental stimulation.  Walks, a game of fetch, and relieving themselves in the yard aren't enough.  Dogs are very smart, capable animals.  They co-evolved with humans who relied on their keen senses to locate and kill prey.  Dogs like to solve problems, especially if that problem helps them find something to eat.  Snuffle mats, snuffle balls, lick mats, and all of the wonderful puzzle toys from Outward Hound (they bought all of Nina Ottosson's designs) and Trixie (they actually make puzzles for cats too!) are good options for your dogs.  Having more than one puzzle means being able to rotate what you give to your dog, increasing their interest in solving the problem.

4.  A job. The job your dog will enjoy most depends on their breed, age, and interests.  Herding dog like to herd, sure, but a lot of them also enjoy agility and flyball.  Retrievers also enjoy agility and flyball, but you can likely add in water sports like dock diving for them as well.  Terriers and Dachshunds like to run and dig and can often be found enjoying nose work as well as faster paced sports like flyball.  Most dogs enjoy rally and that's a great sport for senior dogs too.  Experiment with different classes or sports and figure out what your dog enjoys the most, which might not necessarily be what you enjoy the most, and that's okay.  This is a job for them, not for you!

5.  The ability to enjoy their on-leash time free of fear or pain. When you are choosing the style of collar or harness for your dog, give some real thought to how that device will feel when they are wearing it.  Collars, harnesses, and leashes are all items designed to keep dogs safe.  Pick one that does that without also causing your dog pain in the process.  If your dog pulls on leash, don't immediately think you must need a pinch collar.  Instead, consider whether a harness like those from 2Hounds might better keep your dog from pulling while not using pain to get them to comply.  

I'm looking forward to reading your dog's wish list for Santa!  Ozzie, Henley, and Zelly are all hoping for some new puzzles this year.  Pretty sure I'll be able to help Santa with that.

As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me. 

Westley loved puzzles.  This one from Trixie was rather difficult, but he persevered until he mastered it.  It was interesting: Ozzie hated this puzzle as it took too long to solve.  He'd get frustrated and walk away.  But Westley? He'd keep at it until he'd found every hidden compartment filled with kibble and treats.